In a significant development on the Gaza Strip, Hamas has declared the Israeli proposal to extend the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement as \"unacceptable.\" The statement, released on Saturday by Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem, underscores the group's dissatisfaction with what it perceives as Israel's attempts to undermine the existing agreement.
Qassem criticized the extension proposal, stating, \"The occupation is trying to bring things back to zero point by shuffling the cards and proposing the extension of the first phase.\" He further expressed concerns that the extension aims to facilitate the recovery of Israeli hostages while simultaneously allowing the possibility of resuming aggression against Gaza, which he claims is contrary to the agreement's terms.
The spokesperson also highlighted the lack of progress in negotiations regarding the second phase of the ceasefire agreement. He accused Israel of evading its commitment to end the war and fully withdraw from Gaza, leaving the region in a state of uncertainty.
On Friday, an informed Egyptian security source revealed that an Israeli delegation had proposed extending the first phase of the ceasefire agreement for an additional 42 days during talks in Cairo. However, following Hamas's rejection, the initial 42-day phase expired on Saturday without any breakthrough for proceeding to the next phase.
As tensions remain high, the international community watches closely, hoping for renewed efforts to bring lasting peace to the region.
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Hamas says extending 1st phase of Gaza ceasefire 'unacceptable'
cgtn.com
